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COUNCIL CONTACTS

Rural Review is published eight times a year and is distributed to residents via unaddressed ad mail. Opt in for flyers at your local post office to ensure you receive your copy. If you wish to pick up an additional copy of the latest newsletter, please visit an M.D. office or sign up for a digital copy at md.bonnyville.ab.ca

Disclaimer: Generative AI has been used in portions of this publication.

Municipal District of Bonnyville 4905 - 50 Avenue, Bag 1010, Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 2J7

Main Administration

780-826-3171

Public Safety/Bylaw Concerns

780-812-3332

24-Hour Concern Line

780-812-5000

FIND US ONLINE

web - md.bonnyville.ab.ca

email - info@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

BARRY KALINSKI

Reeve

bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6082

BEN FADEYIW

Deputy Reeve, Ward 6 Councillor

bfadeyiw@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-1462

JOSH CRICK

Ward 1 Councillor

jcrick@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2916

CAROLINE PALMER

Ward 2 Councillor

cpalmer@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-3075

DAN AMALIA

Ward 3 Councillor

damalia@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2716

ED DUCHESNE

Ward 4 Councillor

educhesne@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-3004

BRIAN KOLUK

Ward 5 Councillor

bkoluk@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2992

Regular Meetings of Council are typically held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. View recordings of these meetings at bit.ly/MDBvilleYouTube Committee of the Whole meetings are typically held the third Tuesday of each month. Agenda packages are published at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas by the end of day the Friday before the meeting. Meetings begin at 9 a.m. and are open to the public.

MESSAGE FROM THE REEVE Barry Kalinski

In this edition of Rural Review, I want to take this opportunity to thank M.D. staff. It has been a busy couple of months in the M.D. of Bonnyville.

April snow showers led to days of break up, causing roads to be closed, pumps to be set up, and Transportation staff to work long hours to protect municipal and residential infrastructure. With thousands of kilometres of roads, this is no easy feat. Staff kept things flowing as well as they could. Council and I are grateful for their dedication, work ethic, and get it done attitude.

I also want to acknowledge the work of staff and the CAO for implementing the Lean Process. Through this, new solutions have emerged, which ended up with almost $17 million being returned to reserves following the annual audit process. This will allow us to tackle some infrastructure projects. You can read more about this in the CAO’s message on the next page.

So, let’s hope the April showers will result in May flowers soon.

Catch up with members of Council at the following upcoming events:

Emergency Preparedness Week

We’ll be spending the week talking about how you can get prepared in case of an emergency and will finish the week with a free barbecue and open house.

Come grab a burger and ice cream, meet with some of our local first responders, and learn more about emergency preparedness in the M.D. We’ll have giveaways and some fun activities too!

Where: Glendon Fire Hall, 5303 Railway Avenue, Glendon

When: May 9, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

National Public Works Week

Join us as we take a look at the people who serve our community every day behind the scenes. Public works is ever present, working in the background to advance quality of life for all.

Come learn about the equipment we use, watch some demonstrations, and meet some of our operators. There will be a free barbecue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., activity books, colouring contests for the kids, and more!

Where: M.D. Transportation & Utilities Shop, 61330 RGE RD 455

When: May 23, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

NOTES FROM THE CAO Ben Berlinguette

To the residents and community of the M.D. of Bonnyville,

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Council for their leadership, vision, and trust in allowing Administration to implement the Lean Process across our organization. Their support has enabled us to take a thoughtful and disciplined approach to how we operate, encouraging innovation while maintaining a strong focus on accountability and results.

Through the Lean Process, our teams have been empowered to carefully examine every aspect of our work — identifying inefficiencies, improving workflows, and finding smarter ways to deliver services. This has not only strengthened our internal operations but has also created real, measurable benefits for our municipality.

One of the most significant outcomes of this work is the ability to return a substantial amount of funding back into our reserves. These funds are not simply financial figures — they represent stability, preparedness, and our ability to plan responsibly for the future. They are essential as we look ahead to the growing infrastructure demands facing the M.D. of Bonnyville.

As identified during budget deliberations and State of the Infrastructure Reports, we are currently facing an estimated $90 million in bridge repair/replacement costs in our community. Even with the recently announced almost $17 million being returned to reserves, we anticipate that an additional $65 million or more will be required over the next 15 to 20 years. This is no small challenge. It is a long-term commitment that will require careful planning, disciplined spending, and continued collaboration between Council, Administration, and our community.

Importantly, while achieving these financial improvements, the M.D. of Bonnyville has not reduced its service levels. Our residents continue to receive the high-quality services they expect and deserve. This balance — maintaining service while improving efficiency — is a direct result of the dedication and creativity of our entire team.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all staff for their hard work and commitment. Your willingness to review every project, question existing practices, and seek better solutions has been instrumental in this success. It is through your efforts that we are building a culture of continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to ensuring that every project is delivered in the most cost-effective way possible. Whether work is completed in-house or through contracted services, our focus will always be on achieving the best value for our residents while maintaining quality and reliability.

It is important to recognize that this level of reserve return is a one-time event. It reflects a unique and focused effort to strengthen our financial position and prepare for the future challenges we know are coming.

Together, through strong leadership, dedicated staff, and a shared commitment to our community, we are building a resilient and sustainable future for the M.D. of Bonnyville — one that will serve our residents well for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Ben Berlinguette, Chief Administrative Officer

ASSESSMENT SERVICES

New tax payment deadline brings new TIPP sign-up option

The M.D. of Bonnyville’s property tax payment deadline has shifted to June 30 this year.

As a result, Council passed a new bylaw that will allow residents to sign up for the municipality’s Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) until the deadline date this year.

In previous years, the deadline to sign up for the plan was the end of February. However, Council wanted to give residents an opportunity to adjust to the new payment deadline. Now, with sign-up available until June 30, ratepayers with no outstanding balances from previous years will be able to have their tax payment broken up into six monthly payments without penalty.

Sign up for TIPP in-person at the M.D.’s Main Administration Building (4905-50 Ave., Bonnyville), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Have questions about your tax account? Give the Tax Team a call at 780-826-3171 or email taxsupport@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

Find out more about TIPP at bit.ly/MDBvilleTaxPayments

2026 BY THE NUMBERS

2026 Tax & Assessment Notice amount: $2,854.93

2026 Municipal property tax revenues Not including Ward 6 North revenues (Order in Council 121/2021)

Revenues from 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw, breakdown by assessment:

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

MRs and ERs in your neighbourhood

The M.D. is continuing our educational program to help residents learn about Municipal Reserves (MRs) and Environmental Reserves (ERs) in their communities.These are public lands that help protect nature and give people space to enjoy the great outdoors.

Over the next few years, M.D. staff will be installing signage in all neighbourhoods with MRs and ERs to indicate these reserve areas, explain what they are, and how they are to be used. So far, signage has been installed in multi-lot subdivisions around Cold Lake, Crane Lake, Ethel Lake, and some subdivisions around Moose Lake.

In the coming months, staff will be visiting these neighbourhoods to choose sign locations:

• Turcotte Subdivision (SW-16-61-6-W4M)

• Chatwin Estates (SW-9-61-6-W4M)

Moose Lake Meadows (SW-9-61-6-W4M, SE-9-61-6-W4M)

Drouin Subdivision (SE-4-61-6-W4M)

• Sunset View (NE-32-60-6-W4M)

• Roy Subdivision (SE-32-60-6-W4M)

• Wood Creek (NE-30-60-6-W4M)

• Ferbey Subdivision (NW-30-60-6-W4M, SW-31-60-6-W4M)

• Nicholson Subdivision (NW-25-60-7-W4M)

Fortier Estates (NW-10-61-6-W4M)

If you live in one of these areas, you should have received a letter and brochure showing where the MRs and ERs are located in your community. If you have not received this information, please contact the M.D. Planning & Development Department.

What is a MR? Municipal Reserves are public lands set aside for community use, or to act as a buffer between different types of land (for example, between homes and roads). They may used for parks, playgrounds, green spaces, recreation areas, or even school sites.

What is a ER? Environmental Reserves help to protect nature. These areas help keep water clean, protect plants and wildlife, and give people safe access to the shoreline. They are usually found near lakes, rivers, streams, or other wetlands.

Thank you to all residents for your support as we work together to take care of these lands and the environment.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Who owns MR and ER lands? MRs and ERs are owned by the M.D.

2. Can I use these areas? Yes, these are lands that everyone can use, walk, play, and enjoy. However, motorized vehicles are not permitted on any MRs or ERs.

3. Can I build or store things on MR or ER land? No, you cannot make changes to these lands, such as building structures (including stairs) or use the lands as storage without express permission from the M.D.

4. Can I extend my yard into a reserve? No. Even if a reserve is next to your property, it is not part of your yard.

5. What should I do if I see someone misusing a reserve? You can report concerns to the M.D. Planning & Development Department.

Want to learn more? Please visit bit.ly/PreserveReserve or scan the QR code above for more information.

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

Weed Inspectors – keeping our agriculture and industrial lands weed free Spring is upon us, and the Agricultural Services Department is gearing up for another busy summer season.

Inspecting over 1,000 properties annually, our weed inspectors are a vital part of our team and are the most important tool our department uses to prevent and control noxious weeds.

Noxious weeds quickly and aggressively adapt to our landscape. The Weed Control Act protects our farmers and rural residents from economic and environmental losses caused by weed infestations. By completing a weed inspection on your property, you are at a higher chance of detecting a noxious weed growing on your property before it becomes a large infestation. Noxious weed infestations that cover large areas are difficult and costly to control or eradicate.

Our weed inspectors are extensively trained in the identification of noxious weeds and their control options. They are easily identifiable driving a white M.D. truck (with logo), highvisibility vest, and they always carry identification which you may ask them to present. They will not enter houses or outlying buildings, will respect biosecurity protocols you may have in place, and will not approach livestock.

If a positive identification is made on your property, our weed inspectors will be able to provide you with a list of options to control the noxious weed in a timely matter.

Two of the M.D.’s most wanted noxious weeds are oxeye daisy and scentless chamomile. They are both favourites of the home gardener. Other noxious weeds of concern include burdock, tansy, and Canada thistle. The M.D. has available quick identification guides for ratepayers to pick up at the Environmental Services shop, free of charge.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Ag Services Department at 780-826-3901.

2026 Agricultural Service Board Tour & Rural Beautification Awards

Have you ever admired a neighbour’s yard, landscaping, or shelterbelt while driving by? Now is your chance to celebrate the care and pride that make our rural community shine!

Nominations are now being accepted for the Agricultural Services Board’s (ASB) 2026 Rural Beautification Contest. Residents are encouraged to nominate a neighbour whose property showcases the effort and pride our rural residents put into their community.

Nominations open May 19 and close June 20, 2026.

Submit nominations at bit.ly/2026RuralBeautificationNomination

Award recipients will be recognized during the ASB Tour on August 6, 2026. Watch our social media channels for more details about the tour, including ticket sales and featured stops.

The photos above highlight some of tour stops from 2024 ASB Tour.

UPDATES FROM RMA

This March, M.D. staff had the opportunity to join Council at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring Convention in Edmonton.

RMA represents Alberta’s 69 counties and municipal districts as an independent association. Since 1909, RMA has helped rural municipalities achieve strong, effective, local government.

Below are several highlights from the convention.

Pushing for Progress: Highway 28

Deputy Reeve Ben Fadeyiw took the opportunity to address the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, and the Honourable Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, regarding the 2026 Budget and the lack of funding allocated to Highway 28. Deputy Reeve Faedyiw has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing improvements to Hwy. 28, through his role as Chair of the Northeast Alberta Alliance for Growth and Opportunity (NAAGO) Highway 28 Committee.

Deputy Reeve Fadeyiw, along with members of Administration, also met with the Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, to discuss several key projects the Minister’s team has been working on.

Standing Up for Bridges

With the M.D. identifying approximately $90 million in bridge repairs and replacements, M.D. Council submitted a resolution to the RMA. Councillor Josh Crick represented the M.D. and presented the following resolution at RMA:

“THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) advocate to the Government of Alberta to change its definition of a bridge to match the national practice of defining a culvert spanning 3,000 mm or more as a bridge structure; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the RMA investigate cost effective bridge replacement and maintenance options for municipalities.”

That means the Government of Alberta is unique in its definition of bridge structures, classifying culverts measuring between 1,500 mm and 3,000 mm as bridge structures. In contrast, most jurisdictions across Canada have established that a culvert must be at least 3,000 mm to be considered a bridge structure. This distinct classification in Alberta adds complexity to infrastructure planning and management, impacting the M.D.’s approach to maintenance and funding requirements.

Councillor Crick explained adjusting the definition would improve cost-effectiveness by reducing engineering and road construction costs, allowing the available funding to go further. The motion for RMA to advocate to the Government of Alberta was carried with an 83 per cent affirmative vote.

On the Same Team — The M.D. & The RCMP

Council also secured a meeting with RCMP K Division leadership. Councillor Caroline Palmer lead the discussion about several important issues affecting our community. The discussions covered programs and initiatives including Regional Police and Crisis Teams (RPCT), Habitual Offender Management, the Real Time Operations Centre (RTOC), metal theft involving copper and batteries, and the rising concerns related to mental health. These discussions help municipalities raise local, on-the-ground issues and work collaboratively with policing partners to identify practical solutions and opportunities for partnership.

Rural Care Matters

During the convention Question and Answer session, Councillor Palmer took a turn at the microphone to ask whether the province is considering reinstating a CAO-style framework or local governance model for rural hospitals, similar to what was in place in the 1990s.

The ministers in attendance indicated the province is exploring a similar approach, including the potential to pilot the model.

The 2026 RMA Spring Convention was an eye-opening experience and reinforced the value of being present where provincial priorities are discussed and shaped. The M.D. was at the table — raising local realities, asking direct questions, and ensuring rural perspectives were clearly heard.

COUNCIL AGENDAS

When it comes to preparing an agenda and providing support for a Regular Council or Committee of the Whole meeting, the M.D. follows Procedural Bylaw No. 1892 to ensure meetings are run in an organized, consistent, and transparent manner — including clear steps for building and compiling the agenda package before sharing it with the public.

DRAFT AGENDA APPROVAL

To create a strong agenda package, Administration coordinates with contributing departments to gather reports, including recommendations and supporting documents. Each department creates reports to get Council direction to meet legislative and operational requirements.

The M.D.’s procedural bylaw requires that before an agenda is finalized and prepared, it must be approved by the Reeve and/or Deputy Reeve.

Administration’s key approval steps and timelines for regularly scheduled meetings are:

• Draft agenda sent for approval — the CAO (or designate) sends a copy of the draft agenda to the Reeve and Deputy Reeve eight working days before the scheduled meeting date.

Input/Approval returned — the Reeve and/or Deputy Reeve submit their input and/or confirm approval.

Once a draft agenda is approved by the Reeve and/or Deputy Reeve, Administration begins the process of compiling the agenda package and preparing it for the public.

PUBLISHING THE AGENDA PACKAGE

After the preparation of the agenda package is completed, Administration publishes it to the M.D.’s website so residents can review upcoming meeting items.

While the procedural bylaw does not prescribe a specific timeline for making an agenda package available to the public, Administration’s practice is to align public posting with the overall agenda preparation schedule. As such, residents can generally expect the agenda package to be posted after final approval and around the time the package is released to Council.

For regularly scheduled meetings of Council held on Tuesdays, Administration endeavours to publish the agenda package by the end of day the Friday before the meeting, to allow the public to review the package in advance of the meeting date.

WHAT IF SOMETHING COMES IN LATE?

The procedural bylaw anticipates time-sensitive items may occasionally arise after deadlines.

Items received after the deadline are only added to an agenda if the Reeve or CAO considers the item urgent, or it directly relates to a matter already scheduled for that meeting.

• The bylaw also allows for amendments to the agenda to be proposed by a member of Council or the CAO, and dealt with when the agenda is approved at the meeting.

Additionally, emergent business may be introduced at a meeting at the time of adopting the agenda, when time constraints require a decision from Council before the next scheduled meeting, or to support operational excellence.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND AGENDAS AND PACKAGES?

Scheduled meeting dates are posted on the M.D.’s website on the Agendas and Minutes page at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas

The procedural bylaw, along with many other M.D. bylaws, are available online at bit.ly/MDBvilleBylaws

PARKS & RECREATION

Campgrounds opening!

As our M.D. Parks begin to welcome visitors, the countdown to summer has truly begun. Muriel Lake and Vezeau Beach M.D. Parks open May 1 and all other campgrounds open May 8.

Book your stay at letscamp.ca or scan the QR Code below for more information and updates about our campgrounds.

Summer also means extended hours at the Shaw House VIC at Vezeau Beach. Starting May 1 the VIC will be open:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Pop in for an ice cream or locally brewed beverage and relax on the deck overlooking Moose Lake.

KINOSOO RIDGE RESORT

Did you know that Kinosoo has birthday party packages?

Learn more about what’s included when you booking your kids birthday party with us by scanning the QR Code!

Mother’s Day Brunch

Make your patio unique with a slice of Kinosoo Ridge history! Our modified chairs are ready for new homes. These chairs are from our original Green Chair. This is a great way to add character to any, cabin, backyard, or outdoor setup. Quantities are limited and are on first come first serve basis. Buy yours today at

Celebrate your mom with a delicious buffet and amazing view! We’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet Sunday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What’s on the menu? We’re glad you asked!

Mini yogurt parfait

• Muffins

• Mini pastries

• Cinnamon buns

Fresh fruit Pancakes

• French toast

• Scrambled eggs Boiled eggs Bacon

• Sausage

• Diced potatoes

Cheers to mom with a mimosa ($8), bottomless mimosas ($22), or one of our Caesars ($8 to $10). Water, coffee, and tea is served with the buffet.

Adult 18+ ($23), senior 65+ ($20), student 13 to 17 ($13), child 5 to 12 ($6), ages 4 and under eat for free.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 780-594-5564 to book your table.

Stay up to date with all the fun at Kinosoo Ridge by signing up for our e-newsletter. Scan the code to sign up today!

French Bay M.D. Park

KINOSOO RIDGE RESORT

Spring into summer with Kinosoo fun!

Kinosoo Ridge Resort Summer Camps are here and ready for registration! Week and day options are available.

Each week, our programming includes a well-rounded mix of activities, so your child can explore new and exciting things throughout the summer. The main focus is on nature, survival, and outdoor physical activity — all designed to be both educational and fun!

Activities may include:

• Hiking, bird watching, plant identification, nature bingo, and wildlife education

• Slip ‘n Slide and water fight days (weather permitting), teamwork games, and water safety around lakes

Please note — we will not be going into the lake

Survival skills such as building shelters, fire-building and safety, and bear awareness

• Crafts, nutrition, games, sports, and our very own mini-Olympics

• Adventure Park climbing, target golf, and giant swing rides

Lunch is included daily, so you can rest easy knowing your child is well-fed and taken care of.

AGE GROUPS

• Grasshoppers (Ages 5-6)

• Bear Paws (Ages 7-8)

• Forest Rangers (Ages 9-10)

• Lumberjacks (Ages 11-12)

DATES

June 29-30, July 2-3*

• July 6-10

• July 13-17

• July 20-24

• July 27-31 August 4-7*

• August 10-14

• August 17-21

• August 24-28

$299 per week or $65 per day *Reduced rate for four-day weeks (July + August long weekends) $239 per week

Please note – summer camp purchases are final. Resort credit will be issued for any camps cancelled by Kinosoo Ridge Resort.

Scanning the QR code to the left to book summer camps at KRR today!

at Muriel Lake

May 30, 2026

Register today for the 16 km TriQuest race! The event begins at 1 p.m. inside Muriel Lake M.D. Park, post-race BBQ and live entertainment to follow!

Youth 12–17 Solo

Adult Solo

Youth 12–17 Team

Adult Team (3–4)

$40

$56

$155/team

$165/team

Scan the QR Code or visit bit.ly/TriQuest2026 for more information.